What Does the Bible Say About Giving?

What Is Lust in the Bible?

What Is Lust in the Bible?Lust in the Bible refers to an intense and sinful desire, often associated with sexual immorality, greed, or covetousness. It goes beyond normal desires, becoming an unchecked craving that leads to sinful actions and separation from God. The Bible repeatedly warns against lust as a destructive force that corrupts the heart and mind.Warnings Against LustIn Matthew 5:28, Jesus teaches, "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." This highlights that lust begins in the heart and is not limited to physical actions. Similarly, in 1 John 2:16, lust is described as one of the things of the world that separates believers from God.Overcoming LustThe Bible encourages believers to flee from lust and pursue purity. In 2 Timothy 2:22, Paul advises, "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace." Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, prayer, and accountability, believers can resist lust and focus on living lives that honor God.Why This MattersUnderstanding lust in the Bible helps believers recognize its dangers and take steps to guard their hearts and minds. It serves as a call to pursue purity, integrity, and faithfulness in all aspects of life.

What Does God Say About Piercings?

What Does God Say About Piercings?The Bible contains a few references to body piercings, primarily in the context of cultural practices. While the Bible does not explicitly prohibit piercings, it offers principles about honoring God with one’s body and avoiding vanity or idolatry.Body as a TempleIn 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul reminds Christians, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" This passage emphasizes that the body should be treated with respect and used to honor God, suggesting that decisions about body modifications like piercings should be considered carefully.Cultural Context of PiercingsIn the Old Testament, piercings were sometimes used as a sign of ownership or servitude. In Exodus 21:6, a servant’s ear was pierced as a sign of a permanent commitment to serve a master. Additionally, Isaiah 3:16-24 critiques the vanity of the women of Jerusalem who adorned themselves excessively with jewelry, including earrings and nose rings, as a symbol of their pride and materialism.Why This MattersWhile piercings themselves are not inherently sinful, the Bible calls believers to avoid excessive adornment and vanity. The heart and motivation behind the decision to get a piercing should be examined to ensure it aligns with God’s call for modesty, humility, and honoring Him with our bodies.

Where Can I Donate Used Christian Books in Gilbert, AZ?

Where Can I Donate Used Christian Books in Gilbert, AZ?Donating used Christian books is a meaningful way to share the gospel and support others in their faith journey. In Gilbert, AZ, several organizations and ministries accept Christian book donations to distribute to those in need or to support local and global outreach efforts.Places to Donate Christian Books1. Local Churches: Many churches in Gilbert accept donations of Bibles, devotionals, and other Christian literature for their libraries, small groups, or outreach ministries. Contact your local church to see if they have a need for donated books.2. Christian Thrift Stores: Stores like Goodwill or locally-owned Christian thrift shops may accept Christian books to sell or distribute to the community. The proceeds often support charitable causes.3. Faith-Based Nonprofits: Organizations like Love Packages or Christian Library International often partner with local drop-off points to collect Christian literature and distribute it to prisons, overseas missions, or underprivileged communities. Check their websites for donation guidelines and potential locations near Gilbert.How to Prepare Your Donation1. Ensure the books are in good condition, with minimal wear and no missing pages.2. Sort and label them by category (e.g., devotionals, theology, children’s books) to help recipients organize the materials.Why This MattersDonating Christian books supports discipleship, evangelism, and spiritual growth, extending the reach of God’s Word to others who may not have access to these resources.

What Did Jesus Say About the Book of Enoch?

What Did Jesus Say About the Book of Enoch?The New Testament does not record Jesus directly referencing the Book of Enoch. However, Enoch’s themes and phrases have influenced certain biblical passages. For example, the Book of Jude quotes Enoch 1:9, saying, "Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints" (Jude 1:14). This has led some scholars to speculate about its significance in early Jewish and Christian thought.Jesus and Apocryphal TextsWhile Jesus often quoted the Old Testament, there is no evidence that He explicitly mentioned or endorsed apocryphal writings like Enoch. His teachings focus on the Law, Prophets, and Writings as the foundation of God’s Word (Luke 24:44).How Christians View the Book of EnochThe Book of Enoch is not part of the canonical Bible for most Christian traditions but is included in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s canon. It is valued for its historical and cultural context but is not regarded as divinely inspired scripture by most denominations.Why This MattersWhile Jesus did not address the Book of Enoch, understanding its content can provide insights into the religious landscape of His time. For Christians, it remains a supplementary text rather than a source of doctrine.